So, I posted this on sd-1.net and only had one chapter left to post when the site crashed. I figured some people would be dying for the ending. So, I'll get this posted pretty quickly and hopefully my SD-1 people will find it here and maybe I'll pick up a few new readers along the way! Enjoy! 
Title: Home for the Holidays
Rating: PG-13, better to be safe than sorry
Author: poliwalk
Disclaimer: I do not pretend to even compare to J.J. Abrams or the brilliance of Alias and I don’t own any of this stuff.
Summary: Semi-AU, pre Phase One, Sydney needs to lay low for awhile. Vaughn is going home for Christmas. He invites Syd to come with him and spend Christmas with his family. Will they finally let their feelings come to the surface?
Chapter 1:
Jack’s face remained expressionless as Sydney approached. It was rare that he accompanied Vaughn to meet Sydney in the warehouse but this was important. Vaughn sat up expectantly as he heard Syd’s footsteps nearing.
“What’s going on? Did Sloane find out about our run in with Kane’s goons in France?” Syd asked.
“No, but Sloane is incredibly angry about Kane and also that the fake gyroscope that you gave him doesn’t work. He’s ordered a complete overhaul of SD-6. He is going to investigate everyone” Jack answered.
“We have our bases covered, right? I mean, there is nothing they can find out to implicate us, is there?” Syd asked.
“We just aren’t sure. You’ve been on a lot of missions as a double agent Sydney. Someone could put two and two together” Vaughn said worriedly.
“Sydney, we are not going to be uncovered. Sloane is brining in more outsiders from several SD cells but he has put me in charge of the investigation. I will make sure that SD-6 does not find anything out. In the meantime, however, I’ve asked Sloane to allow you some vacation time. In case something does happen, I want you to be out of the reach of SD-6” Jack explained.
“But Dad, it’s a week before Christmas. You said yourself, nobody is going to find out. I don’t want to be hiding out by myself when nothing is going to happen. Where would I go?”
“Sydney, Kendall has already approved of my plan. I’m sorry but it is in your best interest to lie low,” Jack said sternly, “Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get back to SD-6 to ensure our covers. The least you can do Sydney is willingly go away so that I can focus on maintaining our covers. Tell only Kendall, Agent Vaughn and myself where you are going and I’ll see you after New Year’s. I really am sorry Sydney”
With that, Jack abruptly turned and swept out of the warehouse.
Sydney sat down, defeated. “What am I going to tell Will and Francie? I can’t imagine spending the holidays alone!”
“I’ve been thinking about it Syd and you don’t have to. I’m going to Vermont to spend the holidays with my family. Why don’t you come with me?” Vaughn said, obviously anxious for a reply.
“Vaughn, we…I couldn’t go. What if someone saw us?”
“That’s the beauty of it, Syd. No one will know where you are and they certainly won’t know to look for you at my Brother’s farmhouse in Vermont! Look, I feel terrible that you can’t spend Christmas with your friends. Why not try and salvage the situation and at least spend it with someone you know? My family would love to have you, plus, my Mom is a wonderful cook. No one can pass up seconds on her Christmas dinner.”
“Well, are you sure your family wouldn’t mind?” Sydney asked apprehensively.
“I’m positive” Vaughn confirmed.
“I suppose it would be ok since no one will know I’m there” Syd said, obviously trying to play it cool.
“Great! I um…actually already took the liberty of arranging a private jet. It leaves tomorrow morning at 8 from Dover. So, get some sleep and I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Alright, I’ll be there. Vaughn, thank you for putting this all together for me.”
“You don’t have to thank me Syd. It’s the least I could do…Well, I better get packed myself. So, I’ll see you at 8. Oh, don’t forget warm clothes. It’s really cold there right now. The snow is always deep and the lake next to the farmhouse usually freezes over.”
“Sounds wonderful, Vaughn.”
“Goodnight, Syd.”
“Goodnight.”
Chapter Two:
Vaughn and Sydney were sitting comfortably in a jeep. They had the heater cranked up as they drove down the back country roads of Vermont. Snow blanketed everything around them.
“It is so beautiful out here. I can’t believe we are on the way to your brother’s farmhouse. It is just so different then our “normal” lives. I didn’t even know you had a brother. How come you never mentioned him?” Syd asked.
“Well, he isn’t technically my brother. After my Dad died, my Mom and I moved in with her sister. Her son and daughter basically became my siblings. Tom and I always used to torment Katie so much. I’m surprised she still talks to us! One time we caught a skunk back in the woods and then told her that we had accidentally caught a rabbit. She always had a soft spot for animals and went running back there to see it. Katie smelled like skunk for weeks after that.”
Sydney laughed. “I’m already seeing a whole new side to you Agent Vaughn. What happened to the boyscout, always keeping to the straight and narrow?”
“What can I say? Tom was a terrible influence. He still is actually.”
“I guess I’ll just have to keep you in line then and show Tom who’s boss,” Sydney said sternly before she began laughing once again.
Chapter Three:
Sydney and Vaughn pulled up to a beautiful farmhouse. It was nearing dark and warm yellow light poured out of the windows onto the crisp, white snow. The house sat at the top of a large hill. At the bottom was a barn and snow covered pasture. To the side of the field was what appeared to be a large, snow covered lake. Giant trees encompassed the whole area. As Sydney got out of the car, she couldn’t help but be impressed with the beautiful seclusion of the farm. She thought to herself:
I can’t imagine a better place to lie low for awhile.
Sydney’s thoughts were interrupted by the front door to the large farmhouse flying open. A throng of people poured out of the doorway and made their way towards Vaughn. At the head of the pack was an older, distinguished looking woman. She reached Vaughn first and wrapped her arms tightly around him.
“It’s about damn time my son showed his face here. I was beginning to think you had forgotten about your poor Maman” the woman said as she stared into her son’s face.
Sydney had expected her to be a typical stodgy, upper-class, east coast mom but was surprised by her French accent and laid back manner.
The crowd proceeded to all say hello to Vaughn. Suddenly, a tall, slightly balding man noticed Sydney standing sheepishly on the other side of the car.
“My God, this can’t be! My little brother has actually brought home a girl for Christmas!” the man said teasingly.
“Oh, right! Everyone, this is my FRIEND, Emma. Her parents decided to go to Barbados for Christmas so I invited her along” Vaughn clarified, improvising his way through the explanation. Vaughn ushered his mother towards Sydney. “Emma, this is my mother, Marie. Maman, this is Emma.”
Marie held out her hand and happily shook Sydney’s hand, dispelling any uncomfortable feelings Sydney felt.
“Welcome dear, we are so happy you could join us. You must be getting cold. Let’s go inside and then you can meet everyone. I’m sure this is overwhelming. Plus, you really should hold off meeting Tom. Trust me, he’s trouble” Marie said, a smirk appearing on her face.
Sydney was ushered inside and immediately felt at home in the big, cozy farmhouse. A fire was burning in the living room and everyone sat down expectantly staring at Sydney.
“Oh, don’t mind them dear,” Marie said, “they are just amazed that Michael even knows any girls. Can I get you some cider?”
“That would be wonderful,” Sydney replied.
Almost immediately, she was sipping on warm cider as Vaughn introduced her to everyone.
“Emma, this is my sister, Katie. She is an ER doctor in Boston.”
“Yes, how could I forget the skunk story!” Sydney exclaimed.
“Mike already told you about the skunk! Goodness, you guys never change. I swear I’ll never live that down!” Katie exclaimed.
“If it helps, I vowed to keep him in line while I’m here” Syd said.
“Don’t worry, I’m always appointed the peace keeper between Kate and the boys. I’ll help you keep them in line. I’m Jack by the way, Kate’s husband.”
Vaughn continued, “Yes, so that is Jack. Next to him is Aunt Jean, Mom’s sister. I suggest you stay clear when Jean and Mom get together. They can be truly wicked.”
“Now, now, Michael,” Jean said, “You better watch out or we really will be wicked. Maybe we’ll let Tom dress you up as a ballerina again!”
The whole crowd laughed, remembering the Halloween when older Tom convinced impressionable Vaughn that a TuTu was the coolest Halloween costume.
Sydney laughed along with everyone else and realized that she had been smiling and laughing non stop since she got here. She couldn’t believe how wonderful Vaughn’s family was. They were all so close and funny. Such a large extended family was something Sydney had never experienced before.
“Anyways,” Vaughn quieted the crowd, “let’s get this over with before I die of embarrassment. Plus, I want to go eat. I’ve been raving about the food since we left LA! Emma, this is my big brother Tom and his wife Sarah. This is Jack’s sister, Karen, and her husband Craig. That little one clinging to Craig’s leg is their son, Christopher. The three you hear squealing upstairs are Karen and Craig’s daughter, Amy, and Katie and Jack’s two girls, Claire and Beth. The two boys downstairs are Brian and Danny. They are Tom and Sarah’s videogame obsessed sons. So, I think that does it for the introductions. Why don’t we all make out way into the dining room!”
The crowd suddenly realized how hungry they were and began making their way toward the wonderful smells of a home cooked meal. Vaughn hung back, waiting for Sydney.
“I’m sorry my family is so crazy. Don’t worry, they’ll calm down as soon as we give them all their medication.”
“I think they are wonderful” Syd said smiling as she brushed past Vaughn, her hand rubbing up against his side, as she made her way into the dining room. It wasn’t just the warm air that Vaughn felt as Sydney walked by. He was filled with the warmth and joy of his family and finally getting to introduce them to Sydney. He wouldn’t admit it but he had dreamed about this moment for ages.
Chapter Four:
The dishes strewn about the table were mostly empty and the wine bottles stood drained on the countertop in the kitchen. All of the children had been put to bed. Vaughn, Sydney and the other adults sat on big comfy chairs around the fireplace. Sydney was so full and satisfied that she couldn’t imagine ever moving again. Through all of dinner, she had been showered with stories from Vaughn’s childhood. Sydney smiled as she thought of all the funny stories she would have to tell Weiss when she got back to LA.
“What’s so funny Emma” Katie asked as she noticed Sydney’s smiling face.
“Oh, I was just thinking how many great stories I would have to tell Vaughn’s friends when I get home.”
“Yes, our family is good at spilling the dirt quickly to guests. Maybe tomorrow, Mom and Marie will get out the family albums.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Sydney said, laughing as she saw the horrified look on Vaughn’s face.
“By the way,” Katie asked, “why do you call Mike Vaughn?”
Sydney thought about it for a moment, all the wine and food making her mind move more slowly. “I don’t know, I guess it is just what I called him in the beginning and it stuck. Did he have any nicknames as a child?”
Tom’s eyes lit up at that question. Just as he was about to speak, Vaughn interjected.
“Alright, I think it is time for bed. Haven’t you guys punished me enough tonight? If this keeps up, I may not come back!” Vaughn pleaded.
“Boo hoo! You always were such a crybaby, Twinkle Toes!” Tom pretending to cry, mocking his baby brother.
“And there it is!” Vaughn said, cringing.
“Twinkle Toes?” Sydney asked incredulously.
“It was one Halloween, one freakin’ TuTu!” Vaughn tried to defend himself but gave up as he was greeted only by more laughter. “Come on Emma, I don’t think my self-esteem can take much more of this,” Vaughn said indignantly as he got up.
Syd made to stand up but swayed and then fell back onto the couch.
“Wow, I guess I had a bit more wine than I thought.”
“That’s good. We’ll have you drinking like a Frenchwoman in no time” Marie said as she and Jean cackled away.
“Come my lady, I shall escort you to your bedchamber” Vaughn said as he held out his hand.
“My guardian angel” Sydney said, not realizing the significance of her comment before it came out. She hesitated but then took hold of Vaughn’s hand. He put his other arm around her waist and helped her up the stairs.
As the pair disappeared up the stairs, the group faced back towards each other.
“Just friends my ass!” Tom said laughing.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen my son so happy” Marie said smiling.
“Well, I most certainly approve. That Emma seems like a sweet girl” Jean said.
“Anyone who makes it through a night of eating, drinking and gossiping with us is fine by me” Katie said as she lay her head wearily on her husband’s chest.
Marie looked up towards the stairs, “I just hope they both realize soon what we all see, that they are perfect for each other.”
Chapter Five:
“Your room is just over there” Vaughn said as he directed Sydney to the left of the stairs. “Did you have a good time tonight?”
Sydney’s head was now resting wearily on Vaughn’s shoulder. “Your family is amazing Vaughn. They are so funny and loving. I just love being around them.”
“I’m glad you like them” Vaughn said as he directed Syd towards the bed. Sydney promptly plopped down on the bed and began to drift off. Vaughn smiled, he had never been around a slightly drunk Sydney and had to admit it was rather cute. He lifted up her legs and pulled the covers out from under her. Then he wrapped her up in the warm blankets and whispered, “Sleep well, Sydney Bristow.”
As he turned to leave, Sydney grabbed Vaughn’s hand and looked up at him. “Thank you Vaughn.”
“For what?” he asked.
“For everything” she responded before closing her eyes once again and drifting off to sleep.
Chapter Six:
Sydney woke up feeling perfectly content. She realized that she couldn’t remember the last time she hadn’t been woken up by an alarm clock. As she lay in the warm, cozy bed, enjoying the morning, someone knocked quietly on the door.
“Come in” Sydney called.
Vaughn opened the door and poked his head inside.
“Good morning” Sydney said as a big smile uncontrollably appeared on her face.
“Good afternoon actually” Vaughn said, chuckling.
“What? What time is it?” Sydney said, surprised that she could sleep so late.
“Relax” Vaughn said as he came into the room. “I put you in the quietest room in the house because I figured you needed to catch up on some sleep. The rest of the gang went out to get a Christmas tree so no one needs to know that you slept in until 2 pm. Although I will forever hold it over you” Vaughn said with a devilish grin on his face.
“And here I thought you were a gentleman after last night” Sydney said, trying her best to put on a disappointed face.
“Oh, I’m sorry to have caused offence! Please accept this in place of an apology” Vaughn said as he went back outside and then returned with a breakfast tray.
Sydney couldn’t help but giggle. As she dove into the wonderful breakfast, Vaughn sat contentedly watching her.
“Well?” he asked.
“Oh, you are definitely forgiven” Sydney said between mouthfuls.
Chapter Seven:
Sydney couldn’t remember a time when she had felt more happy or carefree. Vaughn’s family was so welcoming and she felt right at home immediately. On the third night of her stay, Sydney found herself in the kitchen with just the girls. Karen and Craig were entertaining the kids. Vaughn, Tom, and Jack had retreated to the basement to “be manly men” and play some pool. Sydney had opted to let the boys have their testosterone time. Plus, she didn’t want to ruin it for them because, unbeknownst to Vaughn, she was secretly pretty damn good at pool.
Sydney had been put in charge of the mashed potatoes. The water still hadn’t started boiling so she sat down at the kitchen table. Almost immediately, all three women stopped their cooking and joined her at the table.
“So, Emma, I feel like we’ve told you everything about our family but don’t know anything about you” Jean began.
Sydney could tell that these three women were cunning and she was going to have to be careful about what she said, especially about Vaughn.
“Oh, there’s not really much to tell. I work in the State Department. That’s where I met Vaughn” Sydney said.
“Right, right, we know all that” Marie said, “but what about the rest of your life…Any boyfriends waiting for you back home?”
There it was, Sydney knew the question was coming. Vaughn was right that you had to be careful with these women.
“Oh, you know, I don’t really have time for guys” Sydney said, hoping that they would give up.
“You know, Mike says exactly the same thing” Katie said, a knowing smile on her face. “Although he did mention meeting someone at work a while back. I’m not sure what happened with her.”
“Would you look at that, the water is boiling” Sydney said and quickly got up to attend to the pot.
Marie, Jean and Katie resolved to try again later and got up from the table to resume their cooking.
As Marie stirred a pot simmering on the stove, she looked up at Sydney.
“You know Emma, when I met Bill, Michael’s father, I was convinced I couldn’t marry him. After all, it would mean relocating to another country. For months I tried to deny my feelings. In the end, I realized that I couldn’t deny love. When we got married, I always wished I had come to that realization sooner because it would have meant that many more months being with the love of my life.”
Marie stopped stirring and walked over to the kitchen sink. She left Sydney to stew over what she had just said.
Chapter Eight:
Sydney was woken the next morning by Vaughn knocking on her door.
“Hey, sorry to wake you but your father is on the phone” Vaughn said as he handed her his cell phone. “I’ll leave you to talk.”
Once Sydney was alone, she picked up the phone, “Dad?”
“Sydney, it’s good to hear from you. I was just calling to let you know that everything is going fine here. A few more days and it should be safe for you to come home.”
“Oh, I see” Sydney said, surprising herself with her disappointed tone.
“Sydney, I want you to look in the back pocket of your suitcase, alright?”
“Why? What for?” Syd asked confusedly.
“You’ll see. Look, I have to go but I’ll call you again when you can come back to LA.”
“Ok, thanks Dad.”
“Oh and Sydney”
“Yes Dad?”
“Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you too, Dad.”
Sydney heard Jack hang up the phone. She smiled at how well that conversation had gone. She was so happy that they had finally repaired their relationship. Suddenly, she remembered her father’s message about her suitcase. She rushed over and opened the back pocket. Inside, she found a wrapped present with a card slipped under the ribbon. She opened up the envelope first:
Sydney,
Whenever life feels unsure,
know this truth—we both
love you very much.
Love,
Your Mother and Father
Sydney couldn’t believe what she was reading. Her Mom and Dad had actually bought her a Christmas present and they did it together no less! She could feel tears starting to well up and hastened to open the present before she completely broke down. Inside, she found a first edition copy of Through the Looking Glass and What I Found There by Lewis Carroll. She couldn’t believe that her parents had managed to track down a first edition sequel to one of her most prized possessions, the copy of Alice and Wonderland that her mother had given her as a small child. For one of the rare moments in her life, Sydney felt truly loved by both her parents.
Chapter Nine:
As Sydney talked to her father on the phone, Vaughn made his way downstairs. His mother sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee.
“Good Morning Maman” Vaughn said as he lightly kissed her on the head.
“Hello Michael. I was hoping you would come down before everyone else.”
“Really? How come?” Vaughn said suspiciously.
“What, can’t a mother just want to spend some time with her only son?” Marie said defensively.
“No, not when it’s you. You have an agenda, I can tell. You can’t hide anything from me after all these years.”
“Fine Michael, you got me. I was just wondering what your feelings are towards Emma.”
“We are just work colleagues Mom” Vaughn tried to say sternly.
“Oh really!” Marie said, feigning surprise, “Is that why you made her breakfast in bed yesterday? And don’t think I didn’t notice the present for her under the tree either! Michael, why are you denying your feelings?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Your heart is not complicated Michael. Something tells me it is speaking loud and clear. From what I can tell, Emma’s heart is telling her the same thing.”
“It just can’t happen, Maman” Vaughn said resignedly.
“It can’t happen or you won’t let it happen? You two belong together, everyone can see that! I just want you to be happy Michael and I know that Emma makes you happy. I’ve never seen you more relaxed and smiling than this visit. I’ll stop pestering you, but just think about it, ok?
“Alright, I will.”
“You know, when I met your father, I was convinced I couldn’t marry him. After all, it would mean relocating to another country. For months I tried to deny my feelings. In the end, I realized that I couldn’t deny love. When we got married, I always wished I had come to that realization sooner because it would have meant that many more months being with the love of my life.”
Marie got up and walked into the other room, a cunning smile forming on her face as soon as she was out of Vaughn’s view.
Chapter Ten:
After Marie’s talks with Vaughn and Sydney, each had been pondering what she had said. It seemed that more and more they would catch themselves staring intently at the other without even realizing it. Although they were both coming to realize how strongly they felt for each other, neither would admit to themselves that it was anything beyond a very close friendship.
It was two days before Christmas when it began to snow heavily.
“It looks like we are in for another snowed in white Christmas” Tom remarked as he looked outside.
“You mean you actually get snowed in?” Sydney asked.
“Yup, so I hope you aren’t getting sick of us. I mean you can get bored with Katie. I’ll just lock her up out back for awhile. But as for the rest of us, we might be getting very close” Tom said as he batted his eyelashes at Sydney and chuckled.
“I swear I need to keep a leash on my husband and tug every time he tries to talk to the nice guests!” Sarah said in joking exasperation. “Tom, stop scaring the poor girl!”
“Besides, Emma and I get along quite well. I’d even say she is the sibling I never had” Katie said as she looking menacingly at her brother, “You know, friendly and nice instead of constantly tormenting me!”
Tom faked a shocked expression and was about to respond when, fortunately, Jack interrupted the love fest.
“Katie, I totally forgot that I promised the kids we would go sledding today. Do you think the weather is still ok?” Jack asked.
“It should be fine for a couple more hours. Why don’t we all go? It should be fun.”
The whole gang bundled up in their snow clothes and tromped out into the snowy day. The children were giddy with excitement. Christopher, the youngest, couldn’t stop bouncing. Sydney realized that she had never been sledding and found herself equally excited.
As they approached the top of the hillside, everyone hopped onto sleds and saucer discs and started to fly down the hill. Sydney remained standing where she was, looking hesitantly at the sled in front of her. Vaughn walked over to her.
“You mean the great Sydney Bristow is actually hesitant to do something? Haven’t you ever been sledding?”
“No actually, I haven’t. Thank you for rubbing it in” Sydney said as she punched him in the arm.
“Ow! That hurt!” Vaughn yelled. “Come on, we can go down together.”
Vaughn got onto the sled and directed Sydney to sit in front of him.
“Ok, on the count of three. One…Two…Three!” Vaughn pushed off and the pair went sliding down the hillside.
Sydney let out a joyful giggle as they whizzed down the hill. All of a sudden, their weight shifted to the right and the sled lost balance. The pair tumbled over into the snow, arms and limbs wrapped together.
Both were giggling uncontrollably. They found themselves face to face, only inches apart in the snow, their hot breath caressing each other’s cheeks. They stared at each other for some time before Vaughn snapped out of it. He untangled himself and sat up.
“Are you ok?” he asked.
“I’m better than Ok,” Sydney said, her cheeks flushed from the encounter. “Let’s do it again!” Sydney grabbed the sled and turned away from Vaughn. She began trudging up the hill as Vaughn walked over to help the others untangle themselves from their sleds and each other.
Karen and Christopher had already made it back up to the top. Karen heard the phone ringing and told Christopher to wait there while she ran inside quickly.
Sydney was only a few feet away when it happened. Christopher got onto his disc and took off down the hill in the opposite direction, straight towards the semi-frozen lake.
Christopher let out a scream as he slid over the icy lake. Suddenly, there was a loud crash and, just as quickly as it had happened, it was quiet once again. Only a dark break in the ice giving any hint that Christopher had been there at all.
Chapter Eleven:
Sydney was the closest to the lake. As soon as Christopher took off on his sled, she immediately took action. She threw off her gloves, coat and boots. Then she jumped onto the sled and sent it flying after the little boy. For having only been on a sled once, Sydney picked it up amazingly fast. She maneuvered it so that she was following directly behind Christopher. Just as she neared the break in the ice, Sydney jumped off the sled and dove headfirst into the frigid water. The day was silent once again as both Sydney and Christopher had disappeared below the surface of the dark, cold water.
Vaughn and the rest of the family immediately jumped into action.
Vaughn started running towards the lake yelling “Sydney! Sydney!” completely unaware that he was not using Sydney’s alias.
Tom yelled, “We need rope!” as he headed for the boathouse next to the lake.
Karen had come out of the house and was crying hysterically. Her husband, Craig, had to hold her back from running out onto the lake.
Meanwhile, Tom had gone into the boathouse and was busy tying a loop at the end of a long rope. He was hoping against all hope that there would be someone in the water to throw the rope to.
Katie began leading Marie, Jean and the children up the hill to the house. She knew that if they got Christopher and Emma out of the lake, they were going to need to be warmed up fast. She cursed the fact that they were snowed in. As she looked up at the mounting snowstorm, Katie realized that they were on their own. She had Marie start boiling some water and sent Jean go find blankets. Meanwhile, she began to clear off the kitchen table to prepare for the worst.
Vaughn stood at the edge of the lake. Jack was using all of his force to keep Vaughn from running out onto the lake.
“Just give Emma a little while longer. It won’t do anybody any good if we have to get three people out of there!” Jack yelled at him.
Vaughn was about to break free and run onto the ice despite Jack, when Sydney suddenly broke through to the surface of the lake, a small form in her arms. She held her arm up, calling for help. Tom immediately threw the rope her direction. He missed by over ten feet and began cursing loudly. Vaughn stepped forward and pulled the rope out of his brother’s hands. He swung the rope like a lasso and then flung it forward. It landed right next to Sydney.
Sydney reached out and grabbed the rope. She put the loop over Christopher so that it was locked under his arms. The boy appeared to be breathing but wasn’t moving and made no attempt to cling to the rope. Sydney managed to hoist him out of the water and place him on the ice. Vaughn began pulling him in towards the shore. As soon as he was close enough, Craig grabbed the boy. He immediately pulled off his soggy coat and pants, unzipped his own coat and tucked the small boy inside against his warm chest. Then he and Karen began running up the hill towards the house.
Meanwhile, Sydney was still in the water. She had tried unsuccessfully several times to pull herself up onto the ice but more chunks kept breaking off. It was obvious that she was rapidly getting too cold and exhausted to keep herself afloat.
As soon as Christopher was free of the rope, Vaughn tossed it back to Sydney. His throw was perfectly accurate once again and he thanked God for all the training he had received that prepared him for pressure situations like this. Sydney grabbed hold of the rope and attempted to hold on as tight as possible. Tom and Vaughn both took hold of the rope and began pulling. Sydney was hauled out of the water and onto the ice but she was still a good 50 feet away.
Sydney was so cold that her body had stopped shaking. She couldn’t feel her hands but attempted with all her might to hold onto the rope. She kept repeating in her mind Just hold on! Unfortunately, her hands didn’t comply and after 20 feet, the rope slipped out. Sydney was left lying on the ice, unable to move.
Vaughn again grabbed the rope and threw it out to her. The rope landed next to Sydney’s head but she did not move to grab it.
“Sydney, focus! Please, just focus on the rope! Grab hold of it! You are almost here, just grab hold of the rope! Grab hold of it for me!” Vaughn yelled.
Sydney’s vision was blurry and her mind didn’t seem to be working but she could hear yelling. All of a sudden she recognized the voice, It’s Vaughn she thought. She unclenched her hands and reached for the rope once again. She grabbed hold and willed herself to stay conscious, I’m coming Vaughn.
Sydney was within fifteen feet of the shoreline when the rope slid out of her hands. Vaughn realized that he couldn’t get her to grab the rope again; Sydney had lost consciousness.
“I’m going out there” Vaughn yelled to Tom.
Vaughn grabbed the rope and began crawling across the ice to Sydney. When he reached her, he was shocked by her ghostly appearance. He tried to push all of his doubts and worries out of his mind and instead focused on getting off the ice. He wrapped his arm around Sydney’s waist and held fast to the rope. Tom then hauled them both in to shore.
Once there, Vaughn lifted Sydney’s limp form into his arms and began running up towards the house. He was exhausted beyond belief but ignored his own body. All that mattered was getting Sydney up to the house. It was as he was running, Sydney’s head lying against his chest, that Vaughn truly began to panic. He realized that Sydney wasn’t breathing.
Chapter Twelve:
Vaughn rushed into the kitchen. Katie already had the table cleared off and he laid Sydney down gently onto the hard surface. Katie slipped a folded blanket under her head.
“She’s not breathing” Vaughn yelled.
“Ok Vaughn, I need your help. You need to calm down and focus. We need to perform CPR.”
Vaughn nodded his head, his training again taking over. Katie and Vaughn quickly removed most of Sydney’s soggy clothes and wrapped her up in warm blankets. Marie had filled up hot water bottles and slipped those under the blankets. Katie checked Sydney’s airway and pulse and then instructed Vaughn to begin CPR. She then began to administer chest compressions.
Sydney’s skin was stark white and her lips had turned blue. As Vaughn’s lips connected with hers, he almost drew back from the cold. Her lips felt unreal, like ice.
“Stay focused Mike” Katie ordered as she continued, “One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
The kitchen was filled with silent, worried family members. Marie and Jean were squeezing each other’s hands without even realizing it. Everyone was willing for this young woman who had risked her life for Christopher to survive. Even Karen and Craig stood in the kitchen, little Christopher already reviving in their arms.
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
“Syd, please come on!” Vaughn called. “Please, don’t leave me! You can’t give up!” Vaughn yelled in desperation.
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
“I just realized how much I love you!” he cried.
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
Suddenly, Sydney’s eyes opened briefly. She inhaled deeply and then began coughing. She took in big gulps of air, her lungs coming to life once again. Vaughn was crying freely and big, salty tears dripped down onto the table as he caressed Sydney’s forehead.
At this point, Katie took control.
“Vaughn, we have to get her warm. Let’s get her upstairs, NOW”
Vaughn picked up Sydney’s fragile form in his arms and carried her up the stairs, his family following closely behind.
Chapter Thirteen:
Vaughn sat in a chair next to Sydney’s bed, clutching her hand tightly. He had refused to move since they had put her in the bed. Sydney was covered in blankets and slowly getting warmer. Katie’s quick thinking had saved Sydney’s life. The color was now returning to Sydney’s face and her temperature was returning to normal.
Katie stood next to Vaughn, stethoscope in hand. She listened intently to Sydney’s chest and used a small flashlight to look at her pupils. Satisfied, she turned to Vaughn and smiled.
“She’s doing great, all things considered. She’s resting and there doesn’t appear to be any permanent damage. It’s a miracle,” she said, a big smile erupting on her face.
“Thank God!” Marie exclaimed.
Marie, Jean, Katie, Tom and Jack stood in the bedroom and, upon Marie’s words, the tension finally seemed to release from all of their shoulders. Everyone had been so frightened that it was only now, after Christopher and Sydney were out of danger, that they could finally get their bearings back.
“Michael, we need to talk” Katie said sternly, causing Vaughn to pull his gaze away from Sydney for the first time.
“What’s wrong?” Vaughn confusedly asked.
“When Emma went into the lake, you started yelling the name Sydney” Katie said. “What are you guys hiding from us?”
Vaughn paused. He hadn’t realized his mistake because he had been too worried about Sydney. Now, looking at his expectant family, he realized he couldn’t lie. Not to those that he loved.
“What I say here doesn’t leave this room, understand?” Vaughn said with the greatest degree of seriousness.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“First, Mom I’m very sorry but I don’t, in fact, I have never had a desk job with the State Department.”
“Michael!” Marie interrupted.
“Mom, please just let me finish! I’m a field agent with the CIA just like Dad. My primary job is as a handler to a double agent, working to take down an international terrorist organization…”
Vaughn’s voice trailed off and he looked over at Sydney.
“You mean to say that she’s the double agent?” Tom asked incredulously.
Vaughn nodded.
“Damn, no wonder she beat me at pool so many times!” Tom exclaimed.
“Tom, not now!” Marie ordered.
Vaughn continued, “Her real name is Sydney. She was in danger of being uncovered and needed somewhere to hide. That’s why I invited her here. I’m sorry for lying. Truly I am.”
“Michael, I can’t deny that I’m not angry at you but I would never refuse to help someone in need” Marie said.
“Thank you Maman.”
“So, that explains it” Marie exclaimed.
“Explains what?” Vaughn asked.
“Why, even though you love each other, you two can’t be together!”
Vaughn looked up at his Mom in disbelief. It only took Marie a matter of minutes to understand his heart and his predicament completely. I suppose that is why she is my Mother he thought, his heart breaking for the love he could not have. In France, he and Sydney had been so close to expressing their feelings but it had almost gotten them killed. How could he risk it?
Marie stared at her son and saw the debate that was going on inside of him.
“Michael, you almost lost her today. Whatever the rules or dangers, do you really want to take the chance of losing her without having told her the truth? For once in your life, let your heart do the talking!”
With that, Marie led the others out of the room, leaving Vaughn sitting next to Sydney, still clutching her hand.
Chapter Fourteen:
It had been dark for several hours but Vaughn continued to sit diligently next to Sydney’s bedside. Katie had convinced him to at least change his clothes and eat something but only on the condition that Katie would call him if there was any change. Now, everyone else had gone to bed. Katie had instructed him to wake her if anything changed. Vaughn had kept the fire in the fireplace going and was happy to have its warmth. It was taking all of his energy, however, not to fall asleep. His eyes were just about to close for the tenth time when Sydney let out a small groan.
Vaughn immediately sat forward in his chair, “Syd?” he asked worriedly.
“Twinkle Toes?” Sydney said quietly, her eyes still plastered shut.
“Well, it’s nice to see your sense of humor is still intact!” Vaughn said with a sigh of relief.
Sydney smiled slightly but then stopped, suddenly remembering the day’s events. Her eyes shot open, “Christopher? Where is he? Is he Ok?” she asked. She tried to sit up and groaned in pain.
Vaughn pushed her gently back down into the pillows.
“Shhh, don’t worry Syd. Christopher is just fine. It’s you that gave us the biggest scare. Everything is going to be Ok though. How do you feel?”
“Like you guys drove a semi-truck over my chest” Sydney said, a smiling grimace appearing on her face.
“I’m sorry, we had to perform CPR. I’ll be sure to let Katie know you called her a semi-truck though,” Vaughn said, attempting to be funny. He couldn’t maintain the lightheartedness, however, and, starting to choke up, he continued, “I, I thought I’d lost you.”
Sydney reached up and ran her hand along Vaughn’s jaw, “My guardian angel, I knew you wouldn’t let me go.”
“Syd, I can’t take this anymore. Today was jus too close a call. I think my Mom was right?”
“About what?” Sydney asked as her mind flashed back to her previous conversation with Marie.
“That, whatever the dangers and rules, I should just tell you…”
Sydney stared up at him expectantly.
“That I love you. I love you so much that I was ready to go drown in that lake right along with you today. I love you so much that I can’t sleep when you are on missions. I love you so much that I have dreamed about you meeting my family since the first day we met. I love you so much that these past few days have been the happiest of my entire life. I love you Sydney Ann Bristow. I think I always have and always will.”
By this time, tears had welled up in Sydney’s eyes.
“I love you too, Michael.”
Vaughn smiled at the sound of Sydney saying his first name. He leaned forward and gently kissed her on her lips, now warm and full of life.
“I’m sure you are exhausted. Go to sleep, I’ll stay here with you.”
Sydney nodded her head, obviously too tired to argue. She closed her eyes and let the exhaustion take her, a smile still evident on her beautiful face.
Chapter Fifteen:
Sydney woke the next day utterly exhausted and sore. Katie sat next to her and smiled when she saw her open her eyes.
“Good morning, Sydney.”
“You know my name?” Sydney asked.
“Let’s just say Michael let it slip yesterday and we coerced the rest out of him last night” Katie said, smiling.
“You aren’t mad?” Sydney asked.
“Absolutely not!” Katie said, leaving no doubt in Sydney’s mind. “The family has resolved not to talk about your um…job, so that we don’t put you or Vaughn in any compromising situation. Everyone seems to be taking it pretty well, although Tom is still in shock and utterly intimidated by you. Marie had to tell him to stop calling you Spy Girl and using it as an excuse for why you beat him so many times at pool! All I can say is, we are all here for you and want to support you in any way we can. Now, how are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” Sydney said, trying her best to put up a strong front.
“Right, Michael warned me you might be like that. Here, take these” Katie said as she handed Sydney two pain pills and helped her swallow them with a glass of water. “You have a bit of a fever but seem to be doing remarkably well.”
“Christopher is alright?” Sydney asked, wanting confirmation.
“Yes, he is back to his old self, terrorizing his older sisters once again.”
“Where’s Michael?”
“Oh, it is Michael now, is it?” Katie asked, a knowing smile appearing on her face. “Well, I forced him to go to bed. He was exhausted. It took both Tom and Jack to pull him away from your bedside. By the way, the boys have taken to calling me Semi-Truck. I understand that I have you to thank for that!”
Sydney smiled sheepishly. She started to say “I’m sorry” but was interrupted.
“Don’t worry about it,” Katie interjected. “It was bound to happen sometime that I would get an embarassing nickname; it’s a part of being in this family. At least it isn’t Twinkle Toes! Oh and by the way, while I have you alone and away from Tom, did I mention that his nickname is Pig Pen? It’s because of the Peanuts character. Mom always used to catch Tom eating mud when he was little. I think it explains quite a bit actually, especially the smell!”
Sydney began to laugh but grimaced from the pain. Then she involuntarily let out a big yawn.
“Speaking of needing sleep though, I really shouldn’t be keeping you up. We need you in top shape for tomorrow!”
“Why, what’s tomorrow?” Syd asked.
“It’s Christmas of course!”
“I’ll go back to sleep on one condition” Sydney said.
“What’s that?” Katie asked.
“There is a present in my suitcase. Would you put it under the tree?”
“It’s a deal” Katie answered. As Sydney closed her eyes and drifted off, Katie got the present out of her suitcase. On the front was a card that read To Michael.
Title: Home for the Holidays
Rating: PG-13, better to be safe than sorry
Author: poliwalk
Disclaimer: I do not pretend to even compare to J.J. Abrams or the brilliance of Alias and I don’t own any of this stuff.
Summary: Semi-AU, pre Phase One, Sydney needs to lay low for awhile. Vaughn is going home for Christmas. He invites Syd to come with him and spend Christmas with his family. Will they finally let their feelings come to the surface?
Chapter 1:
Jack’s face remained expressionless as Sydney approached. It was rare that he accompanied Vaughn to meet Sydney in the warehouse but this was important. Vaughn sat up expectantly as he heard Syd’s footsteps nearing.
“What’s going on? Did Sloane find out about our run in with Kane’s goons in France?” Syd asked.
“No, but Sloane is incredibly angry about Kane and also that the fake gyroscope that you gave him doesn’t work. He’s ordered a complete overhaul of SD-6. He is going to investigate everyone” Jack answered.
“We have our bases covered, right? I mean, there is nothing they can find out to implicate us, is there?” Syd asked.
“We just aren’t sure. You’ve been on a lot of missions as a double agent Sydney. Someone could put two and two together” Vaughn said worriedly.
“Sydney, we are not going to be uncovered. Sloane is brining in more outsiders from several SD cells but he has put me in charge of the investigation. I will make sure that SD-6 does not find anything out. In the meantime, however, I’ve asked Sloane to allow you some vacation time. In case something does happen, I want you to be out of the reach of SD-6” Jack explained.
“But Dad, it’s a week before Christmas. You said yourself, nobody is going to find out. I don’t want to be hiding out by myself when nothing is going to happen. Where would I go?”
“Sydney, Kendall has already approved of my plan. I’m sorry but it is in your best interest to lie low,” Jack said sternly, “Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get back to SD-6 to ensure our covers. The least you can do Sydney is willingly go away so that I can focus on maintaining our covers. Tell only Kendall, Agent Vaughn and myself where you are going and I’ll see you after New Year’s. I really am sorry Sydney”
With that, Jack abruptly turned and swept out of the warehouse.
Sydney sat down, defeated. “What am I going to tell Will and Francie? I can’t imagine spending the holidays alone!”
“I’ve been thinking about it Syd and you don’t have to. I’m going to Vermont to spend the holidays with my family. Why don’t you come with me?” Vaughn said, obviously anxious for a reply.
“Vaughn, we…I couldn’t go. What if someone saw us?”
“That’s the beauty of it, Syd. No one will know where you are and they certainly won’t know to look for you at my Brother’s farmhouse in Vermont! Look, I feel terrible that you can’t spend Christmas with your friends. Why not try and salvage the situation and at least spend it with someone you know? My family would love to have you, plus, my Mom is a wonderful cook. No one can pass up seconds on her Christmas dinner.”
“Well, are you sure your family wouldn’t mind?” Sydney asked apprehensively.
“I’m positive” Vaughn confirmed.
“I suppose it would be ok since no one will know I’m there” Syd said, obviously trying to play it cool.
“Great! I um…actually already took the liberty of arranging a private jet. It leaves tomorrow morning at 8 from Dover. So, get some sleep and I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Alright, I’ll be there. Vaughn, thank you for putting this all together for me.”
“You don’t have to thank me Syd. It’s the least I could do…Well, I better get packed myself. So, I’ll see you at 8. Oh, don’t forget warm clothes. It’s really cold there right now. The snow is always deep and the lake next to the farmhouse usually freezes over.”
“Sounds wonderful, Vaughn.”
“Goodnight, Syd.”
“Goodnight.”
Chapter Two:
Vaughn and Sydney were sitting comfortably in a jeep. They had the heater cranked up as they drove down the back country roads of Vermont. Snow blanketed everything around them.
“It is so beautiful out here. I can’t believe we are on the way to your brother’s farmhouse. It is just so different then our “normal” lives. I didn’t even know you had a brother. How come you never mentioned him?” Syd asked.
“Well, he isn’t technically my brother. After my Dad died, my Mom and I moved in with her sister. Her son and daughter basically became my siblings. Tom and I always used to torment Katie so much. I’m surprised she still talks to us! One time we caught a skunk back in the woods and then told her that we had accidentally caught a rabbit. She always had a soft spot for animals and went running back there to see it. Katie smelled like skunk for weeks after that.”
Sydney laughed. “I’m already seeing a whole new side to you Agent Vaughn. What happened to the boyscout, always keeping to the straight and narrow?”
“What can I say? Tom was a terrible influence. He still is actually.”
“I guess I’ll just have to keep you in line then and show Tom who’s boss,” Sydney said sternly before she began laughing once again.
Chapter Three:
Sydney and Vaughn pulled up to a beautiful farmhouse. It was nearing dark and warm yellow light poured out of the windows onto the crisp, white snow. The house sat at the top of a large hill. At the bottom was a barn and snow covered pasture. To the side of the field was what appeared to be a large, snow covered lake. Giant trees encompassed the whole area. As Sydney got out of the car, she couldn’t help but be impressed with the beautiful seclusion of the farm. She thought to herself:
I can’t imagine a better place to lie low for awhile.
Sydney’s thoughts were interrupted by the front door to the large farmhouse flying open. A throng of people poured out of the doorway and made their way towards Vaughn. At the head of the pack was an older, distinguished looking woman. She reached Vaughn first and wrapped her arms tightly around him.
“It’s about damn time my son showed his face here. I was beginning to think you had forgotten about your poor Maman” the woman said as she stared into her son’s face.
Sydney had expected her to be a typical stodgy, upper-class, east coast mom but was surprised by her French accent and laid back manner.
The crowd proceeded to all say hello to Vaughn. Suddenly, a tall, slightly balding man noticed Sydney standing sheepishly on the other side of the car.
“My God, this can’t be! My little brother has actually brought home a girl for Christmas!” the man said teasingly.
“Oh, right! Everyone, this is my FRIEND, Emma. Her parents decided to go to Barbados for Christmas so I invited her along” Vaughn clarified, improvising his way through the explanation. Vaughn ushered his mother towards Sydney. “Emma, this is my mother, Marie. Maman, this is Emma.”
Marie held out her hand and happily shook Sydney’s hand, dispelling any uncomfortable feelings Sydney felt.
“Welcome dear, we are so happy you could join us. You must be getting cold. Let’s go inside and then you can meet everyone. I’m sure this is overwhelming. Plus, you really should hold off meeting Tom. Trust me, he’s trouble” Marie said, a smirk appearing on her face.
Sydney was ushered inside and immediately felt at home in the big, cozy farmhouse. A fire was burning in the living room and everyone sat down expectantly staring at Sydney.
“Oh, don’t mind them dear,” Marie said, “they are just amazed that Michael even knows any girls. Can I get you some cider?”
“That would be wonderful,” Sydney replied.
Almost immediately, she was sipping on warm cider as Vaughn introduced her to everyone.
“Emma, this is my sister, Katie. She is an ER doctor in Boston.”
“Yes, how could I forget the skunk story!” Sydney exclaimed.
“Mike already told you about the skunk! Goodness, you guys never change. I swear I’ll never live that down!” Katie exclaimed.
“If it helps, I vowed to keep him in line while I’m here” Syd said.
“Don’t worry, I’m always appointed the peace keeper between Kate and the boys. I’ll help you keep them in line. I’m Jack by the way, Kate’s husband.”
Vaughn continued, “Yes, so that is Jack. Next to him is Aunt Jean, Mom’s sister. I suggest you stay clear when Jean and Mom get together. They can be truly wicked.”
“Now, now, Michael,” Jean said, “You better watch out or we really will be wicked. Maybe we’ll let Tom dress you up as a ballerina again!”
The whole crowd laughed, remembering the Halloween when older Tom convinced impressionable Vaughn that a TuTu was the coolest Halloween costume.
Sydney laughed along with everyone else and realized that she had been smiling and laughing non stop since she got here. She couldn’t believe how wonderful Vaughn’s family was. They were all so close and funny. Such a large extended family was something Sydney had never experienced before.
“Anyways,” Vaughn quieted the crowd, “let’s get this over with before I die of embarrassment. Plus, I want to go eat. I’ve been raving about the food since we left LA! Emma, this is my big brother Tom and his wife Sarah. This is Jack’s sister, Karen, and her husband Craig. That little one clinging to Craig’s leg is their son, Christopher. The three you hear squealing upstairs are Karen and Craig’s daughter, Amy, and Katie and Jack’s two girls, Claire and Beth. The two boys downstairs are Brian and Danny. They are Tom and Sarah’s videogame obsessed sons. So, I think that does it for the introductions. Why don’t we all make out way into the dining room!”
The crowd suddenly realized how hungry they were and began making their way toward the wonderful smells of a home cooked meal. Vaughn hung back, waiting for Sydney.
“I’m sorry my family is so crazy. Don’t worry, they’ll calm down as soon as we give them all their medication.”
“I think they are wonderful” Syd said smiling as she brushed past Vaughn, her hand rubbing up against his side, as she made her way into the dining room. It wasn’t just the warm air that Vaughn felt as Sydney walked by. He was filled with the warmth and joy of his family and finally getting to introduce them to Sydney. He wouldn’t admit it but he had dreamed about this moment for ages.
Chapter Four:
The dishes strewn about the table were mostly empty and the wine bottles stood drained on the countertop in the kitchen. All of the children had been put to bed. Vaughn, Sydney and the other adults sat on big comfy chairs around the fireplace. Sydney was so full and satisfied that she couldn’t imagine ever moving again. Through all of dinner, she had been showered with stories from Vaughn’s childhood. Sydney smiled as she thought of all the funny stories she would have to tell Weiss when she got back to LA.
“What’s so funny Emma” Katie asked as she noticed Sydney’s smiling face.
“Oh, I was just thinking how many great stories I would have to tell Vaughn’s friends when I get home.”
“Yes, our family is good at spilling the dirt quickly to guests. Maybe tomorrow, Mom and Marie will get out the family albums.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Sydney said, laughing as she saw the horrified look on Vaughn’s face.
“By the way,” Katie asked, “why do you call Mike Vaughn?”
Sydney thought about it for a moment, all the wine and food making her mind move more slowly. “I don’t know, I guess it is just what I called him in the beginning and it stuck. Did he have any nicknames as a child?”
Tom’s eyes lit up at that question. Just as he was about to speak, Vaughn interjected.
“Alright, I think it is time for bed. Haven’t you guys punished me enough tonight? If this keeps up, I may not come back!” Vaughn pleaded.
“Boo hoo! You always were such a crybaby, Twinkle Toes!” Tom pretending to cry, mocking his baby brother.
“And there it is!” Vaughn said, cringing.
“Twinkle Toes?” Sydney asked incredulously.
“It was one Halloween, one freakin’ TuTu!” Vaughn tried to defend himself but gave up as he was greeted only by more laughter. “Come on Emma, I don’t think my self-esteem can take much more of this,” Vaughn said indignantly as he got up.
Syd made to stand up but swayed and then fell back onto the couch.
“Wow, I guess I had a bit more wine than I thought.”
“That’s good. We’ll have you drinking like a Frenchwoman in no time” Marie said as she and Jean cackled away.
“Come my lady, I shall escort you to your bedchamber” Vaughn said as he held out his hand.
“My guardian angel” Sydney said, not realizing the significance of her comment before it came out. She hesitated but then took hold of Vaughn’s hand. He put his other arm around her waist and helped her up the stairs.
As the pair disappeared up the stairs, the group faced back towards each other.
“Just friends my ass!” Tom said laughing.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen my son so happy” Marie said smiling.
“Well, I most certainly approve. That Emma seems like a sweet girl” Jean said.
“Anyone who makes it through a night of eating, drinking and gossiping with us is fine by me” Katie said as she lay her head wearily on her husband’s chest.
Marie looked up towards the stairs, “I just hope they both realize soon what we all see, that they are perfect for each other.”
Chapter Five:
“Your room is just over there” Vaughn said as he directed Sydney to the left of the stairs. “Did you have a good time tonight?”
Sydney’s head was now resting wearily on Vaughn’s shoulder. “Your family is amazing Vaughn. They are so funny and loving. I just love being around them.”
“I’m glad you like them” Vaughn said as he directed Syd towards the bed. Sydney promptly plopped down on the bed and began to drift off. Vaughn smiled, he had never been around a slightly drunk Sydney and had to admit it was rather cute. He lifted up her legs and pulled the covers out from under her. Then he wrapped her up in the warm blankets and whispered, “Sleep well, Sydney Bristow.”
As he turned to leave, Sydney grabbed Vaughn’s hand and looked up at him. “Thank you Vaughn.”
“For what?” he asked.
“For everything” she responded before closing her eyes once again and drifting off to sleep.
Chapter Six:
Sydney woke up feeling perfectly content. She realized that she couldn’t remember the last time she hadn’t been woken up by an alarm clock. As she lay in the warm, cozy bed, enjoying the morning, someone knocked quietly on the door.
“Come in” Sydney called.
Vaughn opened the door and poked his head inside.
“Good morning” Sydney said as a big smile uncontrollably appeared on her face.
“Good afternoon actually” Vaughn said, chuckling.
“What? What time is it?” Sydney said, surprised that she could sleep so late.
“Relax” Vaughn said as he came into the room. “I put you in the quietest room in the house because I figured you needed to catch up on some sleep. The rest of the gang went out to get a Christmas tree so no one needs to know that you slept in until 2 pm. Although I will forever hold it over you” Vaughn said with a devilish grin on his face.
“And here I thought you were a gentleman after last night” Sydney said, trying her best to put on a disappointed face.
“Oh, I’m sorry to have caused offence! Please accept this in place of an apology” Vaughn said as he went back outside and then returned with a breakfast tray.
Sydney couldn’t help but giggle. As she dove into the wonderful breakfast, Vaughn sat contentedly watching her.
“Well?” he asked.
“Oh, you are definitely forgiven” Sydney said between mouthfuls.
Chapter Seven:
Sydney couldn’t remember a time when she had felt more happy or carefree. Vaughn’s family was so welcoming and she felt right at home immediately. On the third night of her stay, Sydney found herself in the kitchen with just the girls. Karen and Craig were entertaining the kids. Vaughn, Tom, and Jack had retreated to the basement to “be manly men” and play some pool. Sydney had opted to let the boys have their testosterone time. Plus, she didn’t want to ruin it for them because, unbeknownst to Vaughn, she was secretly pretty damn good at pool.
Sydney had been put in charge of the mashed potatoes. The water still hadn’t started boiling so she sat down at the kitchen table. Almost immediately, all three women stopped their cooking and joined her at the table.
“So, Emma, I feel like we’ve told you everything about our family but don’t know anything about you” Jean began.
Sydney could tell that these three women were cunning and she was going to have to be careful about what she said, especially about Vaughn.
“Oh, there’s not really much to tell. I work in the State Department. That’s where I met Vaughn” Sydney said.
“Right, right, we know all that” Marie said, “but what about the rest of your life…Any boyfriends waiting for you back home?”
There it was, Sydney knew the question was coming. Vaughn was right that you had to be careful with these women.
“Oh, you know, I don’t really have time for guys” Sydney said, hoping that they would give up.
“You know, Mike says exactly the same thing” Katie said, a knowing smile on her face. “Although he did mention meeting someone at work a while back. I’m not sure what happened with her.”
“Would you look at that, the water is boiling” Sydney said and quickly got up to attend to the pot.
Marie, Jean and Katie resolved to try again later and got up from the table to resume their cooking.
As Marie stirred a pot simmering on the stove, she looked up at Sydney.
“You know Emma, when I met Bill, Michael’s father, I was convinced I couldn’t marry him. After all, it would mean relocating to another country. For months I tried to deny my feelings. In the end, I realized that I couldn’t deny love. When we got married, I always wished I had come to that realization sooner because it would have meant that many more months being with the love of my life.”
Marie stopped stirring and walked over to the kitchen sink. She left Sydney to stew over what she had just said.
Chapter Eight:
Sydney was woken the next morning by Vaughn knocking on her door.
“Hey, sorry to wake you but your father is on the phone” Vaughn said as he handed her his cell phone. “I’ll leave you to talk.”
Once Sydney was alone, she picked up the phone, “Dad?”
“Sydney, it’s good to hear from you. I was just calling to let you know that everything is going fine here. A few more days and it should be safe for you to come home.”
“Oh, I see” Sydney said, surprising herself with her disappointed tone.
“Sydney, I want you to look in the back pocket of your suitcase, alright?”
“Why? What for?” Syd asked confusedly.
“You’ll see. Look, I have to go but I’ll call you again when you can come back to LA.”
“Ok, thanks Dad.”
“Oh and Sydney”
“Yes Dad?”
“Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you too, Dad.”
Sydney heard Jack hang up the phone. She smiled at how well that conversation had gone. She was so happy that they had finally repaired their relationship. Suddenly, she remembered her father’s message about her suitcase. She rushed over and opened the back pocket. Inside, she found a wrapped present with a card slipped under the ribbon. She opened up the envelope first:
Sydney,
Whenever life feels unsure,
know this truth—we both
love you very much.
Love,
Your Mother and Father
Sydney couldn’t believe what she was reading. Her Mom and Dad had actually bought her a Christmas present and they did it together no less! She could feel tears starting to well up and hastened to open the present before she completely broke down. Inside, she found a first edition copy of Through the Looking Glass and What I Found There by Lewis Carroll. She couldn’t believe that her parents had managed to track down a first edition sequel to one of her most prized possessions, the copy of Alice and Wonderland that her mother had given her as a small child. For one of the rare moments in her life, Sydney felt truly loved by both her parents.
Chapter Nine:
As Sydney talked to her father on the phone, Vaughn made his way downstairs. His mother sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee.
“Good Morning Maman” Vaughn said as he lightly kissed her on the head.
“Hello Michael. I was hoping you would come down before everyone else.”
“Really? How come?” Vaughn said suspiciously.
“What, can’t a mother just want to spend some time with her only son?” Marie said defensively.
“No, not when it’s you. You have an agenda, I can tell. You can’t hide anything from me after all these years.”
“Fine Michael, you got me. I was just wondering what your feelings are towards Emma.”
“We are just work colleagues Mom” Vaughn tried to say sternly.
“Oh really!” Marie said, feigning surprise, “Is that why you made her breakfast in bed yesterday? And don’t think I didn’t notice the present for her under the tree either! Michael, why are you denying your feelings?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Your heart is not complicated Michael. Something tells me it is speaking loud and clear. From what I can tell, Emma’s heart is telling her the same thing.”
“It just can’t happen, Maman” Vaughn said resignedly.
“It can’t happen or you won’t let it happen? You two belong together, everyone can see that! I just want you to be happy Michael and I know that Emma makes you happy. I’ve never seen you more relaxed and smiling than this visit. I’ll stop pestering you, but just think about it, ok?
“Alright, I will.”
“You know, when I met your father, I was convinced I couldn’t marry him. After all, it would mean relocating to another country. For months I tried to deny my feelings. In the end, I realized that I couldn’t deny love. When we got married, I always wished I had come to that realization sooner because it would have meant that many more months being with the love of my life.”
Marie got up and walked into the other room, a cunning smile forming on her face as soon as she was out of Vaughn’s view.
Chapter Ten:
After Marie’s talks with Vaughn and Sydney, each had been pondering what she had said. It seemed that more and more they would catch themselves staring intently at the other without even realizing it. Although they were both coming to realize how strongly they felt for each other, neither would admit to themselves that it was anything beyond a very close friendship.
It was two days before Christmas when it began to snow heavily.
“It looks like we are in for another snowed in white Christmas” Tom remarked as he looked outside.
“You mean you actually get snowed in?” Sydney asked.
“Yup, so I hope you aren’t getting sick of us. I mean you can get bored with Katie. I’ll just lock her up out back for awhile. But as for the rest of us, we might be getting very close” Tom said as he batted his eyelashes at Sydney and chuckled.
“I swear I need to keep a leash on my husband and tug every time he tries to talk to the nice guests!” Sarah said in joking exasperation. “Tom, stop scaring the poor girl!”
“Besides, Emma and I get along quite well. I’d even say she is the sibling I never had” Katie said as she looking menacingly at her brother, “You know, friendly and nice instead of constantly tormenting me!”
Tom faked a shocked expression and was about to respond when, fortunately, Jack interrupted the love fest.
“Katie, I totally forgot that I promised the kids we would go sledding today. Do you think the weather is still ok?” Jack asked.
“It should be fine for a couple more hours. Why don’t we all go? It should be fun.”
The whole gang bundled up in their snow clothes and tromped out into the snowy day. The children were giddy with excitement. Christopher, the youngest, couldn’t stop bouncing. Sydney realized that she had never been sledding and found herself equally excited.
As they approached the top of the hillside, everyone hopped onto sleds and saucer discs and started to fly down the hill. Sydney remained standing where she was, looking hesitantly at the sled in front of her. Vaughn walked over to her.
“You mean the great Sydney Bristow is actually hesitant to do something? Haven’t you ever been sledding?”
“No actually, I haven’t. Thank you for rubbing it in” Sydney said as she punched him in the arm.
“Ow! That hurt!” Vaughn yelled. “Come on, we can go down together.”
Vaughn got onto the sled and directed Sydney to sit in front of him.
“Ok, on the count of three. One…Two…Three!” Vaughn pushed off and the pair went sliding down the hillside.
Sydney let out a joyful giggle as they whizzed down the hill. All of a sudden, their weight shifted to the right and the sled lost balance. The pair tumbled over into the snow, arms and limbs wrapped together.
Both were giggling uncontrollably. They found themselves face to face, only inches apart in the snow, their hot breath caressing each other’s cheeks. They stared at each other for some time before Vaughn snapped out of it. He untangled himself and sat up.
“Are you ok?” he asked.
“I’m better than Ok,” Sydney said, her cheeks flushed from the encounter. “Let’s do it again!” Sydney grabbed the sled and turned away from Vaughn. She began trudging up the hill as Vaughn walked over to help the others untangle themselves from their sleds and each other.
Karen and Christopher had already made it back up to the top. Karen heard the phone ringing and told Christopher to wait there while she ran inside quickly.
Sydney was only a few feet away when it happened. Christopher got onto his disc and took off down the hill in the opposite direction, straight towards the semi-frozen lake.
Christopher let out a scream as he slid over the icy lake. Suddenly, there was a loud crash and, just as quickly as it had happened, it was quiet once again. Only a dark break in the ice giving any hint that Christopher had been there at all.
Chapter Eleven:
Sydney was the closest to the lake. As soon as Christopher took off on his sled, she immediately took action. She threw off her gloves, coat and boots. Then she jumped onto the sled and sent it flying after the little boy. For having only been on a sled once, Sydney picked it up amazingly fast. She maneuvered it so that she was following directly behind Christopher. Just as she neared the break in the ice, Sydney jumped off the sled and dove headfirst into the frigid water. The day was silent once again as both Sydney and Christopher had disappeared below the surface of the dark, cold water.
Vaughn and the rest of the family immediately jumped into action.
Vaughn started running towards the lake yelling “Sydney! Sydney!” completely unaware that he was not using Sydney’s alias.
Tom yelled, “We need rope!” as he headed for the boathouse next to the lake.
Karen had come out of the house and was crying hysterically. Her husband, Craig, had to hold her back from running out onto the lake.
Meanwhile, Tom had gone into the boathouse and was busy tying a loop at the end of a long rope. He was hoping against all hope that there would be someone in the water to throw the rope to.
Katie began leading Marie, Jean and the children up the hill to the house. She knew that if they got Christopher and Emma out of the lake, they were going to need to be warmed up fast. She cursed the fact that they were snowed in. As she looked up at the mounting snowstorm, Katie realized that they were on their own. She had Marie start boiling some water and sent Jean go find blankets. Meanwhile, she began to clear off the kitchen table to prepare for the worst.
Vaughn stood at the edge of the lake. Jack was using all of his force to keep Vaughn from running out onto the lake.
“Just give Emma a little while longer. It won’t do anybody any good if we have to get three people out of there!” Jack yelled at him.
Vaughn was about to break free and run onto the ice despite Jack, when Sydney suddenly broke through to the surface of the lake, a small form in her arms. She held her arm up, calling for help. Tom immediately threw the rope her direction. He missed by over ten feet and began cursing loudly. Vaughn stepped forward and pulled the rope out of his brother’s hands. He swung the rope like a lasso and then flung it forward. It landed right next to Sydney.
Sydney reached out and grabbed the rope. She put the loop over Christopher so that it was locked under his arms. The boy appeared to be breathing but wasn’t moving and made no attempt to cling to the rope. Sydney managed to hoist him out of the water and place him on the ice. Vaughn began pulling him in towards the shore. As soon as he was close enough, Craig grabbed the boy. He immediately pulled off his soggy coat and pants, unzipped his own coat and tucked the small boy inside against his warm chest. Then he and Karen began running up the hill towards the house.
Meanwhile, Sydney was still in the water. She had tried unsuccessfully several times to pull herself up onto the ice but more chunks kept breaking off. It was obvious that she was rapidly getting too cold and exhausted to keep herself afloat.
As soon as Christopher was free of the rope, Vaughn tossed it back to Sydney. His throw was perfectly accurate once again and he thanked God for all the training he had received that prepared him for pressure situations like this. Sydney grabbed hold of the rope and attempted to hold on as tight as possible. Tom and Vaughn both took hold of the rope and began pulling. Sydney was hauled out of the water and onto the ice but she was still a good 50 feet away.
Sydney was so cold that her body had stopped shaking. She couldn’t feel her hands but attempted with all her might to hold onto the rope. She kept repeating in her mind Just hold on! Unfortunately, her hands didn’t comply and after 20 feet, the rope slipped out. Sydney was left lying on the ice, unable to move.
Vaughn again grabbed the rope and threw it out to her. The rope landed next to Sydney’s head but she did not move to grab it.
“Sydney, focus! Please, just focus on the rope! Grab hold of it! You are almost here, just grab hold of the rope! Grab hold of it for me!” Vaughn yelled.
Sydney’s vision was blurry and her mind didn’t seem to be working but she could hear yelling. All of a sudden she recognized the voice, It’s Vaughn she thought. She unclenched her hands and reached for the rope once again. She grabbed hold and willed herself to stay conscious, I’m coming Vaughn.
Sydney was within fifteen feet of the shoreline when the rope slid out of her hands. Vaughn realized that he couldn’t get her to grab the rope again; Sydney had lost consciousness.
“I’m going out there” Vaughn yelled to Tom.
Vaughn grabbed the rope and began crawling across the ice to Sydney. When he reached her, he was shocked by her ghostly appearance. He tried to push all of his doubts and worries out of his mind and instead focused on getting off the ice. He wrapped his arm around Sydney’s waist and held fast to the rope. Tom then hauled them both in to shore.
Once there, Vaughn lifted Sydney’s limp form into his arms and began running up towards the house. He was exhausted beyond belief but ignored his own body. All that mattered was getting Sydney up to the house. It was as he was running, Sydney’s head lying against his chest, that Vaughn truly began to panic. He realized that Sydney wasn’t breathing.
Chapter Twelve:
Vaughn rushed into the kitchen. Katie already had the table cleared off and he laid Sydney down gently onto the hard surface. Katie slipped a folded blanket under her head.
“She’s not breathing” Vaughn yelled.
“Ok Vaughn, I need your help. You need to calm down and focus. We need to perform CPR.”
Vaughn nodded his head, his training again taking over. Katie and Vaughn quickly removed most of Sydney’s soggy clothes and wrapped her up in warm blankets. Marie had filled up hot water bottles and slipped those under the blankets. Katie checked Sydney’s airway and pulse and then instructed Vaughn to begin CPR. She then began to administer chest compressions.
Sydney’s skin was stark white and her lips had turned blue. As Vaughn’s lips connected with hers, he almost drew back from the cold. Her lips felt unreal, like ice.
“Stay focused Mike” Katie ordered as she continued, “One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
The kitchen was filled with silent, worried family members. Marie and Jean were squeezing each other’s hands without even realizing it. Everyone was willing for this young woman who had risked her life for Christopher to survive. Even Karen and Craig stood in the kitchen, little Christopher already reviving in their arms.
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
“Syd, please come on!” Vaughn called. “Please, don’t leave me! You can’t give up!” Vaughn yelled in desperation.
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
“I just realized how much I love you!” he cried.
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…One……Two…Three…Four…Five…breathe…”
Suddenly, Sydney’s eyes opened briefly. She inhaled deeply and then began coughing. She took in big gulps of air, her lungs coming to life once again. Vaughn was crying freely and big, salty tears dripped down onto the table as he caressed Sydney’s forehead.
At this point, Katie took control.
“Vaughn, we have to get her warm. Let’s get her upstairs, NOW”
Vaughn picked up Sydney’s fragile form in his arms and carried her up the stairs, his family following closely behind.
Chapter Thirteen:
Vaughn sat in a chair next to Sydney’s bed, clutching her hand tightly. He had refused to move since they had put her in the bed. Sydney was covered in blankets and slowly getting warmer. Katie’s quick thinking had saved Sydney’s life. The color was now returning to Sydney’s face and her temperature was returning to normal.
Katie stood next to Vaughn, stethoscope in hand. She listened intently to Sydney’s chest and used a small flashlight to look at her pupils. Satisfied, she turned to Vaughn and smiled.
“She’s doing great, all things considered. She’s resting and there doesn’t appear to be any permanent damage. It’s a miracle,” she said, a big smile erupting on her face.
“Thank God!” Marie exclaimed.
Marie, Jean, Katie, Tom and Jack stood in the bedroom and, upon Marie’s words, the tension finally seemed to release from all of their shoulders. Everyone had been so frightened that it was only now, after Christopher and Sydney were out of danger, that they could finally get their bearings back.
“Michael, we need to talk” Katie said sternly, causing Vaughn to pull his gaze away from Sydney for the first time.
“What’s wrong?” Vaughn confusedly asked.
“When Emma went into the lake, you started yelling the name Sydney” Katie said. “What are you guys hiding from us?”
Vaughn paused. He hadn’t realized his mistake because he had been too worried about Sydney. Now, looking at his expectant family, he realized he couldn’t lie. Not to those that he loved.
“What I say here doesn’t leave this room, understand?” Vaughn said with the greatest degree of seriousness.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“First, Mom I’m very sorry but I don’t, in fact, I have never had a desk job with the State Department.”
“Michael!” Marie interrupted.
“Mom, please just let me finish! I’m a field agent with the CIA just like Dad. My primary job is as a handler to a double agent, working to take down an international terrorist organization…”
Vaughn’s voice trailed off and he looked over at Sydney.
“You mean to say that she’s the double agent?” Tom asked incredulously.
Vaughn nodded.
“Damn, no wonder she beat me at pool so many times!” Tom exclaimed.
“Tom, not now!” Marie ordered.
Vaughn continued, “Her real name is Sydney. She was in danger of being uncovered and needed somewhere to hide. That’s why I invited her here. I’m sorry for lying. Truly I am.”
“Michael, I can’t deny that I’m not angry at you but I would never refuse to help someone in need” Marie said.
“Thank you Maman.”
“So, that explains it” Marie exclaimed.
“Explains what?” Vaughn asked.
“Why, even though you love each other, you two can’t be together!”
Vaughn looked up at his Mom in disbelief. It only took Marie a matter of minutes to understand his heart and his predicament completely. I suppose that is why she is my Mother he thought, his heart breaking for the love he could not have. In France, he and Sydney had been so close to expressing their feelings but it had almost gotten them killed. How could he risk it?
Marie stared at her son and saw the debate that was going on inside of him.
“Michael, you almost lost her today. Whatever the rules or dangers, do you really want to take the chance of losing her without having told her the truth? For once in your life, let your heart do the talking!”
With that, Marie led the others out of the room, leaving Vaughn sitting next to Sydney, still clutching her hand.
Chapter Fourteen:
It had been dark for several hours but Vaughn continued to sit diligently next to Sydney’s bedside. Katie had convinced him to at least change his clothes and eat something but only on the condition that Katie would call him if there was any change. Now, everyone else had gone to bed. Katie had instructed him to wake her if anything changed. Vaughn had kept the fire in the fireplace going and was happy to have its warmth. It was taking all of his energy, however, not to fall asleep. His eyes were just about to close for the tenth time when Sydney let out a small groan.
Vaughn immediately sat forward in his chair, “Syd?” he asked worriedly.
“Twinkle Toes?” Sydney said quietly, her eyes still plastered shut.
“Well, it’s nice to see your sense of humor is still intact!” Vaughn said with a sigh of relief.
Sydney smiled slightly but then stopped, suddenly remembering the day’s events. Her eyes shot open, “Christopher? Where is he? Is he Ok?” she asked. She tried to sit up and groaned in pain.
Vaughn pushed her gently back down into the pillows.
“Shhh, don’t worry Syd. Christopher is just fine. It’s you that gave us the biggest scare. Everything is going to be Ok though. How do you feel?”
“Like you guys drove a semi-truck over my chest” Sydney said, a smiling grimace appearing on her face.
“I’m sorry, we had to perform CPR. I’ll be sure to let Katie know you called her a semi-truck though,” Vaughn said, attempting to be funny. He couldn’t maintain the lightheartedness, however, and, starting to choke up, he continued, “I, I thought I’d lost you.”
Sydney reached up and ran her hand along Vaughn’s jaw, “My guardian angel, I knew you wouldn’t let me go.”
“Syd, I can’t take this anymore. Today was jus too close a call. I think my Mom was right?”
“About what?” Sydney asked as her mind flashed back to her previous conversation with Marie.
“That, whatever the dangers and rules, I should just tell you…”
Sydney stared up at him expectantly.
“That I love you. I love you so much that I was ready to go drown in that lake right along with you today. I love you so much that I can’t sleep when you are on missions. I love you so much that I have dreamed about you meeting my family since the first day we met. I love you so much that these past few days have been the happiest of my entire life. I love you Sydney Ann Bristow. I think I always have and always will.”
By this time, tears had welled up in Sydney’s eyes.
“I love you too, Michael.”
Vaughn smiled at the sound of Sydney saying his first name. He leaned forward and gently kissed her on her lips, now warm and full of life.
“I’m sure you are exhausted. Go to sleep, I’ll stay here with you.”
Sydney nodded her head, obviously too tired to argue. She closed her eyes and let the exhaustion take her, a smile still evident on her beautiful face.
Chapter Fifteen:
Sydney woke the next day utterly exhausted and sore. Katie sat next to her and smiled when she saw her open her eyes.
“Good morning, Sydney.”
“You know my name?” Sydney asked.
“Let’s just say Michael let it slip yesterday and we coerced the rest out of him last night” Katie said, smiling.
“You aren’t mad?” Sydney asked.
“Absolutely not!” Katie said, leaving no doubt in Sydney’s mind. “The family has resolved not to talk about your um…job, so that we don’t put you or Vaughn in any compromising situation. Everyone seems to be taking it pretty well, although Tom is still in shock and utterly intimidated by you. Marie had to tell him to stop calling you Spy Girl and using it as an excuse for why you beat him so many times at pool! All I can say is, we are all here for you and want to support you in any way we can. Now, how are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” Sydney said, trying her best to put up a strong front.
“Right, Michael warned me you might be like that. Here, take these” Katie said as she handed Sydney two pain pills and helped her swallow them with a glass of water. “You have a bit of a fever but seem to be doing remarkably well.”
“Christopher is alright?” Sydney asked, wanting confirmation.
“Yes, he is back to his old self, terrorizing his older sisters once again.”
“Where’s Michael?”
“Oh, it is Michael now, is it?” Katie asked, a knowing smile appearing on her face. “Well, I forced him to go to bed. He was exhausted. It took both Tom and Jack to pull him away from your bedside. By the way, the boys have taken to calling me Semi-Truck. I understand that I have you to thank for that!”
Sydney smiled sheepishly. She started to say “I’m sorry” but was interrupted.
“Don’t worry about it,” Katie interjected. “It was bound to happen sometime that I would get an embarassing nickname; it’s a part of being in this family. At least it isn’t Twinkle Toes! Oh and by the way, while I have you alone and away from Tom, did I mention that his nickname is Pig Pen? It’s because of the Peanuts character. Mom always used to catch Tom eating mud when he was little. I think it explains quite a bit actually, especially the smell!”
Sydney began to laugh but grimaced from the pain. Then she involuntarily let out a big yawn.
“Speaking of needing sleep though, I really shouldn’t be keeping you up. We need you in top shape for tomorrow!”
“Why, what’s tomorrow?” Syd asked.
“It’s Christmas of course!”
“I’ll go back to sleep on one condition” Sydney said.
“What’s that?” Katie asked.
“There is a present in my suitcase. Would you put it under the tree?”
“It’s a deal” Katie answered. As Sydney closed her eyes and drifted off, Katie got the present out of her suitcase. On the front was a card that read To Michael.
